As we celebrate Pride and its corresponding concepts of equality—people come in all shapes, sizes, types, and preferences—the folks at the Sonoma-Marin Fair remind us that the same is true for our pets: Not all dogs are created pretty.

Given the vast number of stunning beaches in Marin, we're hard-pressed to narrow our favorites to a mere seven. These sandy and rocky gems are each well worth a visit, whether it's to take in views of wildlife or splash around in a lagoon. Read on, and prepare to get sand in your suit.

Tucked away on Sir Francis Drake west San Rafael, the quaint town of Fairfax is one of Marin's best-kept secrets. Popular with locals and hikers who pass through on their way to Point Reyes, the little town up north is an ideal day trip for those seeking to escape the hustle of the city for a day. From your morning pancakes through last call, read on for our guide to a perfect day in Fairfax.

Savvy Bay Area locals knows Marin is one of the best places in the area to mountain bike, thanks to the expansive views, sunny weather, and unexplored terrain. Not to be missed is the superb single-track loop at San Rafael's China Camp State Park. Here's your guide to the perfect weekend bike ride.

The counter-clockwise 56-mile loop up to Point Reyes Station takes in a wide variety of the roads and scenery that makes Marin such a special place to spin. There are a few challenging climbs in the 3,800 feet of elevation gain and you’ll have a number of excellent opportunities for pace-lining should you make this a group ride. Expect bucolic scenery and spectacular vistas.